Training under way for new nuclear plant operators

WAYNESBORO, Ga. (AP) — A new wave of power plant operators is being trained to run first-of-their-kind nuclear plants in Georgia and South Carolina.

The Atlanta-based Southern Co. needs to train 45 operators before it can start operating the first AP1000 reactor being built at Plant Vogtle (VOH'-gohl) near Augusta. That first reactor there should be complete in 2016 or 2017, depending on the construction timetable.

The utility needs 30 more licensed operators to start using a second reactor that will come online a year later.

SCANA Corp. faces similar requirements to operate two identical reactors under construction at the Summer Nuclear Station northwest of Columbia, S.C.